SIBA issues ‘urgent call to action’ ahead of debate

The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) is galvanizing its 800+ members into action ahead of next week’s Parliamentary debate on beer duty.

SIBA has today emailed its entire membership, which includes not just brewers but over 100 SIBA Locals pubs, a number of brewers with pub estates as well as suppliers to the industry. All have been tasked with encouraging their local MP to support the debate, and to secure local media coverage for the issue.

SIBA chairman Keith Bott said, “SIBA has, naturally, been actively supportive of the ‘Save Your Pint’ campaign since the start, gathering signatures through brewery visits, beer festivals and pubs. We’re delighted that this debate, much-desired by the nation’s brewers, pubs and drinkers, is now taking place.

“We are now calling on our members to help us fill the House of Commons next Thursday and ensure that the debate has the outcome we all want – a review of beer taxation before the next Budget.

“SIBA members are strongly rooted in their local community, providing employment directly and indirectly to local people. They are therefore able to present a very targeted and persuasive case to their local MP.”

He added, “We are unlikely to have another opportunity like this to change our industry. We are urging our members to take time out of running their brewery or pubs to support this debate – as without drastic action now on beer duty, there may not be pubs left to run, with inevitable negative consequences for the brewers who supply them.”